This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Anyway, swift check-in, lounge pass handed out (and explanation of where it was) it was off to the TSA for a party. Having used 3 trays for my laptop, shoes and other oddments plus my laptop bag and case I had forgotten to take my liquids out (doh!) so a very brief bag search was conducted. Lady took in her stride and was pretty good humoured. Had a brief look round the shops (very brief as the selection is rubbish!) and took the lift to the CH.
Was greeted warmly by the hostess and given a brief tour. The CH is small and perfectly formed with a deli that served cheese, cold meats, sushi, sandwiches plus there was clam chowder and another hot dish with breads, olives etc. Also some deserts. Plenty of seating for formal dining or comfort. Self service bar area for soft and alcoholic drinks but the young lady who was floor walking for the whole 3 hours I was in there was very attentive, offering drinks to be brought to tables etc. Selection of magazines and newspapers to be read and also a small business centre. 3 hours is more than enough in here but the selection is fine, service good and friendly and dcor ambient. Its not as good as the CH in JNB.
I opted for clam chowder followed by sushi both excellent. Had a glass of sparking wine (advertised and described by the staff as Champagne) and plenty of water. During dining a family of 6 (incl. 3 young children entered) along with many other couples/singles. All of a sudden the CH was to capacity and I was fearing a restless full flight with kids screaming..but then they all went and got on the Iberia flight (with whom the CH is shared). Phew.
Boarding was on time and priority boarding was operating in full swing (listen please BAA) and we boarded the plane. I couldnt see the name but it was a 346. Went to suite, champagne delivered. I could tell that this crew were going to be top notch immediately just by the buzz they gave off. All female in UC and the lady who was looking after my zone was a star. Sleep suit sir? More drinks? Would you like a tour? When would you like dinner? Breakfast? Duty Free? Amazing.
Pilot came on and explained flight time of 5 hours 57 minutes with strong tail wind so expect some turbulence. Changed into sleepsuit and one of the CC hung my clothes up in the wardrobe.
The UC load was again barely half full (PE and Y fullish). Take off on time on a very wet runway. Full (and I mean full) thrust used this time the force pushed me sideways into the right hand wall of the suite. A very elegant FSM came round with the bowl of goodies and welcomed aboard but not by name this time. She was reasonably active during the flight but given the load didnt need to get involved with the services.
Once airborne, I went for the cold dinner tray which was a chicken salad with Asian spices with crispy something or other and a balsamic dressing. A bid bland if you as me but it did come with cheese and biscuits and some fruit plus a selection of breads. The other option was effectively a roast dinner of beef, mash and roasted parsnips which I didnt fancy at what was effectively 2.30am. Watched a bit of Slumdog (which didnt catch me probably as I was tired) with the meal.
Bed converted, I settled down for some sleep. Now, Im not tall but I found it difficult to get comfortable in the bed but I did thankfully manage to find comfort and had 4 or so hours of partial sleep which was interrupted only by some of the aforementioned turbulence. At one point it got very bumpy but soon subsided and I nodded off.
Awoke at about 6am and was wished a good morning by my CC, another CC and the FSM enroute to the toilet to get changed. When I returned a few minutes later the bed was now a seat again and my duty free had arrived. Breakfast of bacon roll with tommy k and coffee plus juice was delivered and was very satisfactory. No sooner had this been cleared we were descending and touched down a few minutes ahead of schedule. UC let off first and made a very long trek to baggage hall and passports. Non EU queue horrendous but EU one not too bad except that there were 2 queues of people, 4 desks open so you, I and most of the world would see one queue per 2 desks but oh no not BAA. I joined the queue that was going to one desk while the other queue was going to the 3 desks. Unbelievable!
No issues at customs so made way to revivals. Was offered a shower immediately (must have smelt me coming) which was fantastically welcomed. Used the magic door and hey presto shirt and trousers pressed on completion of towelling down. Booked a wet shave with the Cowshed (only one therapist working so had to wait 45 mins) which was better than the one I got in the departures CH). She was a very pleasant young lady who used to be an IFBT. Between shower and shave I had a second breakfast of granola and toast with grapefruit juice and coffee.
So my first UC return trip. What did I think? Well, the suite is great for day and night flights. The food is mediocre for the top class of an award winning airline. Yes its presented nicely but its not great. No need to go over the CH as I am Au (but I think its amazing for the record, as is revivals a nice treat post flight) the cabin crew were awesome and I can see how they can make or break the Virgin experience at this price level of ticket. This crew were certainly a credit to the organisation and have left me wanting to come back for more!
